The Emperor’s New Threads:
A Fashion Statement
Adapted and Directed by Frances Limoncelli
Music and Lyrics by George Howe
at Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood (map)
thru April 28 | tickets: $15 | more info
Check for half-price tickets
Read entire review
This ‘Emperor’ is a runway hit
Lifeline Theatre presents
The Emperor’s New Threads
Review by Katy Walsh
The Emperor is addicted to clothes. He wants to dress for success. His outfits are over-the-top outrageous. And his Kingdom has caught his fashion fever. Everyone is rocking new and expensive outfits. To keep looking so good, the Emperor has issued a fashion tax. His well-dressed people must work more hours to keep their King and themselves vogue. One Kid has had it with the fashion trends. Her parents spend their days getting stylish. They don’t have time for their daughter. So, the Kid decides to pay a visit to the Emperor. She wants to convince him that clothes don’t make the man or the Kingdom. On her way to the palace, the Kid gets mixed up in a majestic scam. The Emperor’s New Threads: A Fashion Statement is this Spring’s runway hit!
Adapter and Director Frances Limoncelli cleverly weaves together a tapestry of life lessons: prioritize family quality time, don’t be a slave to fashion, heroes shouldn’t lie. The kid-friendly messages are one-size-fits-most (ages 3+) understandable. And there are even some adult-size takeaways. Limoncelli tells the story through the bright eyes of Kacy Ann Smith (Kid). Smith is an adorable bundle of pep and determination as she questions authority. Mike Ooi (Emperor) hilariously plays the wardrobe spoiled sovereign. It’s easy to see how the charismatic Ooi could get the Kingdom to follow his lead. Ooi is charming and definitely “His Royal Groovyness.” Anthony Kayer and Amanda Roeder skillfully juggle multiple parts and even more wardrobe changes. In particular, Roeder is riotous spoofing Joan and Melissa Rivers on the red carpet. The foursome is a showcase of talent as they zip it up and wear it out.
And in a show about fashion, the costumes are vital. Costume Designer Elizabeth Wislar uses her imagination and innovation for flashy layers of audacity. Although she keeps Smith in a sweet, colorful frock, Wislar piles on the sparkle, curls, and shimmer on everybody else. And she piles it on thick. The apparel spectacle could be Wislar’s ode to “What Not to Wear.” Wislar sets the trend for fun with her playful creations.
The Emperor’s New Threads: A Fashion Statement is the perfect fit for a family outing. The cast keeps the kids and their adults engaged in their interactive wardrobe craze. It’s a sensation! And that’s not all. At noon (in-between shows), the Stories Come Alive Hour gives kids an opportunity to learn more about the Hans Christian Anderson folktale with a game inspired workshop. Looking good, Lifeline, you wear this well!
Rating: ★★★½
The Emperor’s new Threads continues through April 28th at Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood (map), with performances Saturdays and Sundays at 11am and 1pm. Tickets are $15, and are available by phone (773-761-4477) or online through PrintTixUSA.com (check for half-price tickets at Goldstar.com). More information at LifelineTheatre.com. (Running time: 55 minutes without intermission)
Photos by Kelsey Jorissen
artists
cast
Anthony Kayer (Huckster, Dad, Preen), Mike Ooi (Emperor), Amanda Roeder (Mom, June, Marissa, Primp), Kacy Ann Smith (Kid), Nicholas Reinhart, Amy Stricker, Amanda Link (understudies).
behind the scenes
Frances Limoncelli (director, adaptor), Jennifer Aparicio (Stage Manager), Victoria (toy) DeIorio (sound designer), Alan Donahue (lighting), Rebecca Hamlin (set, props), Amanda Link (choreographer), Elizabeth Wislar (costumes), Joe Schermoly (tech director), Benjamin W. Dawson (production manager), Kelsey Jorissen (photos).
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